Let’s Play, “Silent Detective!”

1525542_10152139976036357_1282891918_nMoms and Dads: need a fun game to keep your kids quiet in restaurants? Check out this passage from SKYLAR ROBBINS: THE MYSTERY OF SHADOW HILLS, and learn how to play, “Silent Detective.”

My grandfather always made everything fun. I remembered going to my favorite seafood restaurant with him when I was six years old. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep Skylar busy,” Grandpa said, winking at my mom as we followed the hostess to our table.

Goody! We got a window seat. Waves crashed right next to us on the other side of the glass, spraying white foam into the air like someone had just turned on a gigantic fountain. It was exciting and I talked too loud.

“Use your restaurant voice please,” my mom said.

Grandpa held up one finger, catching my attention. “Let’s play Silent Detective,” he whispered. I nodded fast, wiggling in my seat. “I see something…blue.” My grandfather’s merry smile and folded arms challenged me to figure out what it was. If I said anything out loud, I would lose. After looking around the restaurant for a second, I pointed out the window at the ocean.

I raised my eyebrows but Grandpa shook his head. Too easy. I tugged on my ear, signaling that I needed my first clue. He pointed at me with both index fingers, and then moved them closer together. Something smaller.

A lady sitting near us wore a light blue blouse. Grabbing a tuft of my shirt, I tilted my head in her direction and mouthed, “Her top?” while raising my eyebrows.

Was I right?

Grandpa blinked twice, signaling no. Brought his fingers together again. Something smaller than that.

I looked slowly around the restaurant. A big, multi-colored bouquet sat on a table near the entrance. Bright blue peacock feathers poked up in between green ferns and some weird-looking red-orange flowers. I pointed at the bouquet and flapped my arms like a bird. “Peacock feathers?” I mouthed silently.

Blink, blink. Wrong again.

I needed my second clue and tugged my ear again. If I couldn’t guess it after two clues, I would lose the game. My grandfather touched his fingertips together and pulled his hands toward his body: Silent Detective language for something closer. I concentrated on our table. Nothing on it was blue. I looked at my dad’s colorful tie. No blue there either.

A busboy set down four glasses of ice water and my mom reached for hers and took a sip. Her ring sparkled. Grinning with my success, I pointed at the blue gem on her finger and watched Grandpa touch his nose and smile. I’d won Silent Detective.

“I’m proud of you,” he said, reaching forward just as the waiter came to take our order. Grandpa pulled a quarter out of my ear, and I got to keep the prize.

Interview with Jaime Buckley

I had an opportunity to take a few minutes and talk with a wonderful author who has used her passions to empower a new generation of young readers in the time honored tradition of famous books like Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys series. Her name is Carrie Cross and she is the clever author of “Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills.” The book, now in paperback, was published in July of 2013 by Teen Mystery Press, and can be purchased through Amazon. Read the rest of the interview here.

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CONGRATULATIONS, WINNERS!

The winner of today’s drawing for a free autographed copy of SKYLAR ROBBINS: THE MYSTERY OF SHADOW HILLS (Teen Mystery Press, 2013) is Ray Schiel! Runners up who will receive a free .pdf of the book are: Veramani, Pete Huley, Aziz KL, and Susan Eaby. I hope you enjoy the book! ~ Carrie Cross

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Contest giveaway!

All you have to do is like my author page to enter to win a free autographed copy of Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills. Click here: Facebook, then send me a private message with your email address so I can contact you if you win. That’s it! The winner will be announced on Facebook on March first. Endorsed by moms, teachers, and librarians, SKYLAR ROBBINS: THE MYSTERY OF SHADOW HILLS (Teen Mystery Press, 2013) will teach your kids higher-order thinking skills, how to stand up to bullies, and that being smart is cool.

Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow HIlls

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Moms: Skylar Robbins will Teach Your Kids that Being Smart is Cool!

Bibliohphilia+PleaseGuest post on Bibliophelia, Please: Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills, by Carrie Cross

Skylar Robbins: The Mystery of Shadow Hills was written for the bullied kid in school, and the strong girl who protected her. The intelligent student who is misinterpreted as a nerd. The creative one who isn’t afraid to appear weird and different. And everyone who is afraid to take a risk—but is glad in the end that they had the courage. Read the rest of the interview here.

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